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Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
If Time Travel Were Real These Are the Cars We'd Go Back to Buy
If we could hop in a time machine and scoop up a few cars from the past, there's no question: we'd go after the ones that are now worth a fortune. Back then, they were just cool daily drivers or fun weekend cruisers. Today? They're rolling goldmines. But it's not just about flashy designs or big engines. These cars carry stories of innovation, rebellion, racing triumphs, and cult followings that turned them into legends. They've gone from overlooked to iconic, and collectors can't get enough. We didn't just throw darts at a wall of vintage car posters. This list is built from verified price tracking tools like Hagerty's Valuation Tool and along with auction records and enthusiast sources. Every car here has one thing in common: its value has seen a dramatic rise over time, and it's still climbing. These cars represent a mix of American muscle, Japanese performance, European craftsmanship, and motorsport history, all of which contribute to their skyrocketing prices. Sources include Hagerty's Valuation Tool and The Shelby GT350 is a legendary American muscle car that epitomizes 1960s performance. With a powerful 306-hp V8 engine and its aggressive design, this car helped define the era. According to enthusiast site 1965 GT350 Mustang, only 562 units were made in 1965, making it incredibly rare today. Its high-performance capabilities and connection to Carroll Shelby's racing legacy have driven its value up, with prices far outpacing those of standard Mustangs from the same period. Hagerty says you can expect to pay $468,000 for one in good condition. The Plymouth Superbird is an unmistakable piece of automotive history, developed for NASCAR dominance. With its distinctive nose cone and massive rear wing, the Superbird was built for aerodynamics and speed, powered by a 426 Hemi V8 engine. Its iconic design and rarity have made it one of the most desirable collector cars today. Depending on the sources, only between 1,920 and 1,935 were produced in 1970, and their prices continue to climb, driven by both racing pedigree and unique styling. According to Robb Report, the most expensive Superbird ever sold for $1.65 million at auction a few years back. However, the same car only managed to bring in $418,000 when it went under the hammer again earlier this year. The 1963 Corvette is one of the most iconic models in the history of American sports cars. Known for its innovative split-window coupe design and the powerful 327 V8 engine, this car was a turning point for the Corvette line. The combination of style, performance, and rarity has turned the 1963 Corvette into a highly sought-after collector's item, with values increasing steadily over the years. According to Hagerty, only 10,594 1963 split-window coupes were produced, and these days, they sell for $116,000 in good condition, an 18% increase since last year. With its powerful 427-cubic-inch V8 engine and lightweight design, the Shelby Cobra 427 S/C is a legendary roadster that set the benchmark for performance. As per Hagerty, its original run was very limited, making it a rare and valuable collector's item today. Its racing pedigree and stunning looks have driven its price into the stratosphere, with models now fetching millions at auctions, making it one of the most coveted cars on the market today. The AE86 Corolla, lovingly referred to as the 'Hachi-Roku' by JDM enthusiasts, has become an icon in automotive circles. Originally an affordable, everyday car, the AE86's rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight nature made it ideal for drifting and racing. Over the years, its status as a cult classic has been cemented through a starring role in the Initial D anime and multiple video game appearances, making it one of the most sought-after JDM cars in the process. Today, prices are climbing as enthusiasts continue to appreciate its contribution to motorsport and its timeless design. It seems not all Redditors can agree whether it's actually worth the money, though. Introduced in 1990, the Acura NSX stunned the automotive world with its Ferrari-like performance, but at a fraction of the price, leading to Car and Driver calling it a "fighter jet for the road." Powered by a mid-mounted V6 and featuring a lightweight aluminum body, the NSX was engineered for precision handling and reliability. As an early Japanese supercar, the NSX has seen its prices rise dramatically, especially with the resurgence of interest in the first-gen models following the release of the second-gen NSX. reports that the average NSX has sold for roughly $150,000 the last year. The Mazda RX-7, particularly the third-generation FD3S, is renowned for its unique rotary engine and its lightweight, balanced chassis. Its smooth, high-revving engine, coupled with its sleek design, makes it a beloved icon among sports car enthusiasts. As rotary-powered cars become rarer, the FD3S's value has skyrocketed, particularly among collectors who appreciate its high-performance abilities and distinct engine. According to the average selling price is around $40,000, but most of the RX-7s listed on there right now are much more expensive than that! The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is the original "Godzilla" in the world of performance cars. With its advanced technology, all-wheel drive, and the legendary RB26DETT engine, the R32 dominated motorsports and earned a cult following. As Japan's most famous and elusive performance car, it has become highly sought after, with prices reaching new heights as more buyers realize its motorsport heritage and rarity. lists the average R32 price around $50,000, but that includes the lesser GTS version. Most of the GT-Rs are priced well beyond the $60k mark. The Toyota Supra MK4, equipped with the legendary 2JZ-GTE engine, has become one of the most iconic Japanese performance cars ever made. Its role in the Fast and Furious franchise further cemented its status. As demand grows for these turbocharged legends, prices for clean, low-mileage examples have climbed, making it one of the most desirable cars of the 1990s. According to the average Supra sells for $75,000. However, that includes the less desirable naturally aspirated models. If you want a turbocharged Supra, be prepared to part with $100,000 or more... sometimes, a lot more! The E30 BMW M3, introduced in 1986, is hailed as the car that helped define modern, compact performance cars. Its 2.3L four-cylinder engine, combined with rear-wheel drive and agile handling, made it a true driver's car. Over the years, the E30 M3's status as a motorsport icon has driven up its value, and clean examples are now highly coveted by collectors and driving enthusiasts alike. According to the average price paid for an E30 M3 is around $75,000, but if you want a low-mileage car in excellent condition, it'll set you back much more than that! The 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II, introduced in 1990, is one of the rarest and most desirable Mercedes-Benz cars of the era. Built for homologation to compete in the DTM (German Touring Car Championship), the Evo II boasts a 2.5L 16-valve engine and stunning aerodynamic enhancements. With only 500 examples produced, its rarity and racing pedigree have made it a sought-after collector's item, with prices continuing to rise as enthusiasts appreciate its historical significance. Fifteen years ago, you could buy one of these in Germany for around $50,000, these days, they're listed on for $280,000, with some examples selling for more than half a million dollars. The Porsche 911 Turbo (993), produced from 1995 to 1998, is often considered the last of the true air-cooled 911s. With its 3.6L twin-turbocharged engine, it offered blistering performance, but also great reliability and daily usability. As the final air-cooled 911 before the introduction of water-cooled engines, the 993 has become highly desirable among Porsche enthusiasts, and its value has risen significantly in recent years. Hagerty reports that 933 Turbo prices start around the $130,000 mark, and cars in excellent condition are closer to $400,000. These 12 cars have not only survived the test of time but have become legends in their own right. From the streets to the racetrack, each one of these vehicles represents a unique moment in automotive history, and their skyrocketing values reflect their growing significance in the hearts of collectors. Whether you're a performance enthusiast or a lover of classic design, these cars prove that some vehicles are more than just modes of transport; they're investments, cultural icons, and dreams on wheels.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Buy Low, Drive Happy: Imported Classic Cars That Are Still Affordable (For Now)
The car market is always shifting, and when it comes to imports, today's hidden gem can quickly become tomorrow's six-figure collector's car. From Japanese performance legends to quirky European runabouts and muscular Aussie sedans, values for these once-overlooked machines are quietly on the rise. Sure, the big names like the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra have already skyrocketed, but there are still plenty of great finds if you know where to look. Just don't wait too long — with more vehicles becoming eligible under the 25-year import rule and possible new tariffs on the way, the window for scoring a great deal is starting to close. To put this list together, I looked at average selling prices from trusted sources like The Classic Valuer, Carsales, and more. The prices reflect actual sales and don't include things like import fees, shipping, or any extra costs you'd run into bringing one of these cars into North America. I've ranked them from the most affordable to the priciest. After digging through a mountain of auction data, I narrowed it down to some standout imports that hit the sweet spot between fun, rarity, character, and future collectibility. All the specs come from reliable sources like Parkers, MotorTrend, CarsGuide, and Evo, so you're getting the real deal. For some reason, the Holden Ute was never offered in the States, despite it being an American car at heart. It has all the practicality a pickup truck offers but comes with the added benefit of performance. MotorTrend says the 2001 Ute SS uses a GM-built 312-horsepower (hp) 5.7-liter V8 that spins the rear wheels. According to Australia Carsales, the average selling price for one is less than $3,000. You don't need heaps of power to have fun — the MG F is the perfect testament thereof. In CarsGuide's review of the MG F, they call it a 'great driver's car' despite having just 121 hp on tap. That's partially due to its being rear-wheel-drive, having a retractable roof, and its engine sitting behind the driver. reports that the average 2000 MG TF model sells for just over $3,000. It's not fast. It's not objectively pretty. But I can't help loving it, and I really want one. The first-generation Renault Twingo is the perfect answer for someone looking for a commuter car that'll stand out from everything else on the road. And for just a smidge over $3,100, according to it's really an affordable choice, too. says you can buy a Pininfarina-styled sports car for less than $5,000. It's called the Fiat Coupe and is just as quirky as you'd expect. Its alien-like design is equally beautiful as it is strange, and its engine choices are no different. The Fiat Coupe came with a wide range of four-cylinder and five-cylinder engines, but the most sought-after examples sport a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-five, but they came at quite a premium. Citroën has been making cool, quirky cars for as long as I can remember. Because the brand has such a rich reputation for building weird cars, most models have become excruciatingly expensive. That said, the Citroën XM still remains a relative bargain. It might not be as obscure as some of their other creations, but it still has some novelty to it — some models even came with a Maserati-derived V6 engine. Best of all, you'll only have to spend around $6,700 to get your hands on one of these French artworks Remember the aforementioned muscular Australian pickup truck? This is its sedan counterpart, dubbed the Commodore. It, too, features an American-built 5.7-liter V8 engine that sends all its power to the rear wheels. For some reason, the Commodore SS is much more expensive than its Ute counterpart, costing on average more than $7,000, as per Australian Carsales — nearly triple the price of the Ute. The first-generation Subaru Impreza is a very sought-after sports sedan, especially limited-edition models like the 22B STi, which sell for over $200,000. Fortunately, there are other, more cost-effective versions of the Impreza available, too. Take, for instance, the Impreza RB5, of which only 444 examples were ever made. It had a flat-four engine, manual transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system, yet it costs just $8,300, according to The Barchetta was Fiat's answer to the beloved Mazda MX-5 Miata. So, they built their own rear-wheel-drive, front-engined, topless sports car. Just like the Miata, all Barchetta models came with a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter engine, just enough power to keep you grinning. says you'll pay around $8,500 for this bundle of Italian fun. You can import several kei sports cars from Japan, including the Autozam AZ-1 and Suzuki Cappucino. But if I were to award the best value-for-money mini JDM sports car an award, it'd go to the Honda Beat. It uses a three-cylinder powertrain similar to the other examples but doesn't cost as much as the rest, with reporting an $8,700 average selling price. The Alfa Romeo 164 was one of the Italian brand's sports sedans back in the '90s, with the Quadrifoglio 4 being its all-wheel-drive performance version. But don't worry, just because it was the top-of-the-range doesn't mean you'll have to pay top dollar to find one. Despite its performance prowess and desirability, says you can find these Italian sports sedans on sale for just over $11,000. At first, I thought the Audi B5 RS4 would be a brilliant car to import — that is, until I saw they sell for more than $36,000 on average. I soon also discovered that the average Audi RS2 sells for more than $64,000. That said, there is one Audi performance wagon that isn't entirely unattainable — the S2 Avant. Much like the RS2, the S2 had a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but it cost a fraction of the price. According to The Classic Valuer, the average selling price for an Audi S2 Avant has plummeted so much, it sits at a third of the RS2 — $12,637. As WhichCar points out, you'll often hear people refer to the second-generation Toyota Century as the Japanese Rolls-Royce. Apart from its dashing looks, it has everything you'd expect from a luxury car, like soft-closing doors, air suspension, an opulent interior, and much, much more. Some models even came with a V12 engine — at a premium, of course. Unfortunately, many have started to import these already, inflating their prices. That said, you can still buy a 1999 Toyota Century for about $13,000, according to Typically, British carmakers make well-appointed luxury cars that make you feel like royalty. However, like with all things in life, sometimes there are exceptions. Welcome to TVR, the British carmaker that builds bonkers V8-powered rear-wheel-drive cars that belong in sci-fi movies. While there are quite a few models to import, I'd recommend checking out the Chimaera first, especially since it's one of the less expensive ones to import, with the average example selling for $23,000, as per says this little monster costs $30,000, which for a 25-year-old Mitsubishi SUV may seem crazy. But in this case, it's completely justified. Much like the Lancer Evolution, the Pajero Evolution was a homologation car, with approximately 2,500 models made. For reference, the average Lancer Evolution from the same year costs $37,000 already. If the Pajero follows in the footsteps of the Lancer, it too will become a highly sought-after JDM icon. The most expensive car in this article is a Japanese wagon with an awkwardly long name. To be exact, it's a limited-edition, all-wheel-drive performance car that uses the same RB26DETT found in the R32, R33, and R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs. Whereas some GTRs sell for six figures, reports that the Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech sells for $35,780 on average. In essence, the Stagea Autech is a more practical GTR with a gorgeous silhouette. Still thinking about waiting another year? That could be a costly decision. With demand heating up, inventory shrinking, and potential new tariffs on the horizon, today's overlooked bargain might be tomorrow's six-figure unicorn. The truth is, once these under-the-radar imports gain traction, prices tend to climb fast, and they don't look back. If one of these cars has caught your eye, now's the time to act. As the old saying goes: the best time to buy was yesterday. The next best time is right now.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tough on Terrain, Easy on Your Wallet: Budget Off-Road SUVs That Crush It
Over the past few decades, the auto industry has steadily blurred the definition of what an SUV really is. What once described large, rugged vehicles built for tough terrain now includes everything from compact crossovers to lifted hatchbacks. Today, some so-called SUVs start around $20,000 and don't even come with all-wheel drive, making them better suited for school drop-offs than off-road adventures. If you're looking for something more capable, a vehicle that can actually handle trails, snow, and rough terrain, then you're in the right place. We chose these SUVs based on their price first and foremost. If it's brand new, we've chosen the trim level that fits within this budget, and the prices are correct at the time of publication. If it's used, we reference the market valuation website for the current value. As for the off-road capability, we use the opinions and experience of professional automotive journalists who have driven these SUVs and tested them in the right conditions. Wherever we mention stats, such as ground clearance, etc., they are the official figures claimed by the automakers. So, what kind of SUV can you buy for $40,000 or less and not have to worry about road conditions? Let's see… Easily one of the most obvious choices. The Wrangler is one of America's favorite off-roader SUVs, and despite all the jokes and stereotypes surrounding both it and the Jeep brand as a whole, it still has some good value to bring. Available as a three-door or five-door, the Wrangler is a genuinely capable off-roader right from the factory. The latest one is offered with 35" tires, giving it an almost ridiculous 13" ground clearance. You can also get the 2025 Wrangler as a plug-in hybrid, and it's even possible to spec it with an optional winch. For $40,000, you'll have to settle for a base Sport if you want four doors, but if you're fine with a two-door, add $190 to the budget, and you'll have a more specced-out Willys. We'd love to include the 2025 4Runner in this roundup, but sadly, that car starts from $40,000. Instead, the fifth-generation 4Runner will have to do. Actually, that doesn't sound right. The fifth-generation 4Runner will most certainly do. Launched in 2010 and staying in production for a decade and a half, the fifth-generation 4Runner was one of the last truly old-school SUVs on the market. While everyone transitioned to hybrids and smaller engines, the 4Runner was chugging away with a big 4.0-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic, as reported by TrueCar. YouTuber Doug DeMuro also demonstrated how old school it was in his review, including the persistent use of a regular key. places the fifth-gen 4Runner at around $33,000. You might need to go for a higher mileage example, but this is a Toyota SUV, so that shouldn't be much of a problem. Easily one of the greatest comebacks in automotive history. After decades of consideration and teasing, Ford finally brought back the Bronco in 2020 as a proper competitor to the Jeep Wrangler. If you want a brand-new Bronco, the basic ones start from just under $40,000. It's a better idea to go through the classifieds for certified pre-owned or leftover inventory. Even though values the Bronco at around $70,000, if you dig past all the hideous, modified examples, you could get a Bronco with the Sasquatch package for around $36,000. You definitely want the Sasquatch because that's the one with the locking diffs, larger tires, and beadlock wheels. That's not to say the regular Bronco isn't capable enough already, as Elana Scherr of Car and Driver discovered. The Mercedes G-Class guarantees off-road ability in the same way that a sunny day guarantees a blue sky. Starting its life as a military vehicle, the G-Wagen has become one of the most iconic and notoriously capable off-roaders of all time. It oozes cool factor from every angle, and that has meant, among other things, sky-high values. Obviously, $40,000 is nowhere near enough for a brand-new Rodeo Drive spec G-Class. For this kind of money, you'll be looking at an imported W463 G Wagen, meaning anything from the early '90s until about 2000 or so. Although they have less tech than the newest ones, Jonathan Bryce of Autocar reports that they still have a decent amount of creature comforts and some pretty unstoppable diesel engines. Many of them are now legal to import to the States. Even though Classic values the diesel G-Wagens of this vintage at around $45,000, some are going for $35,000 or even around $25,000. This is the Toyota SUV that was gone too soon, and it needs to be brought back. The FJ Cruiser was a tribute band to the original FJ40 Land Cruiser, hence the name, and it was a more fun way to have an off-roader SUV. Everything about this thing oozes style and character, from the half-size rear doors to the general shape and the trio (yes, really) of windshield wipers. It's also tough and durable on the inside, the powertrains are reliable, as Vlad Radu of Autoevolution reports, and the styling is not just for show: it's genuinely capable. For $40,000, you might get lucky and find one of the Trail Team's versions. If you want to play it safe, Classic places the regular FJ Cruisers at around $28,000 on average, and for closer to $40,000, you'll have a mint condition one with low miles. This also means that the FJ Cruiser doesn't really do depreciation. Another off-roader SUV that disappeared from the market a little bit too soon. The Xterra was, ostensibly, an SUV version of the Frontier pickup truck. It aimed to offer genuine capability in a smaller footprint and at a more affordable price. As Zach Bowman of MotorTrend reported, it doesn't really drive like a bulky lifted car on the road, but when duty calls, the Xterra will respond every time. The second-generation Xterra received some nicer off-road hardware, including, as Ron Kiino of C&D reported, a proper locking rear differential. The first-generation cars had a rear LSD, but they were still plenty capable. Classic places both generations of the Xterra at around $13,000 on average, and that kind of money is plenty enough for a well-kept example with the off-roading upgrades. The third-gen Montero, known as the Pajero or Shogun in other markets, blends comfort and off-road performance with a surprising amount of refinement. While earlier Monteros were more utilitarian, this version embraced modern comforts without sacrificing its serious 4WD chops. With a unibody chassis and fully independent suspension, it may not be a rock crawler like a Wrangler, but it's extremely capable on rough trails. Most examples fall in the $6,000–$12,000 range, depending on condition, so you've got room in the budget for tires and a mild lift. Some of you may not know, but throughout most of the world, Toyota offers a smaller version of the Land Cruiser called the Land Cruiser Prado. That's essentially what the 250 Series is now, and Gero Lilleike of confirms it still carries that same Prado name overseas. Technically, there was a way to have a Prado in North America, too, but it had a Lexus badge instead of a Toyota one. The GX first came to North America in 2002, but we're focusing on the second-generation J150 here. The Lexus GX enjoyed V8 power in the States, which its overseas counterpart couldn't brag about. While it did focus a lot on luxury, Jason Fogelson of Forbes reported that the J150 GX has permanent 4WD and a standard locking center diff, which made overlanding as easy as pie. According to Classic, second-generation GX models go for around $27,000 on average. GM doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation for off-roaders, but the original TrailBlazer is a dark horse. It came with a robust 4.2-liter inline-6 making 275 horsepower, solid towing capability, and optional 4WD with low range. The platform was shared with the GMC Envoy and a few others, but the TrailBlazer stood out for its rugged utility. It's not the flashiest SUV out there, but with used prices starting at just a couple of thousand dollars, according to Kelley Blue Book, it's a dirt-cheap ticket to your favorite trailhead. If you're looking for a full-size SUV that combines comfort with genuine off-road chops, the Z71 trim of the Chevrolet Tahoe is a solid pick. Available across multiple generations, the Z71 package added off-road suspension, skid plates, beefier tires, and a locking rear differential, features that helped transform the Tahoe from suburban hauler to backcountry bruiser. Despite its size, the Tahoe Z71 is surprisingly capable off-road, especially when paired with the 5.3-liter V8 engine. Parts availability is excellent, reliability is solid, and there's plenty of space for gear or passengers. J.D. Power lists average values for 2004 Z71 models around $4,225–$9,500, making them a budget-friendly way to explore the wild without sacrificing daily drivability. Isuzu pulled out of the U.S. market a long time ago. The Japanese automaker did not leave without a bang, however. The VehiCROSS is one of the strangest, most admirable SUVs to emerge in the late 90s and the early 2000s. It was offered exclusively with three doors and had some truly ridiculous (in a good way) styling, the most notable aspect being the massive tires. As Frank Markus of Car and Driver reported, the VehiCROSS had beefy drivetrain components designed not just to go off-road but to go off-road fast. In that regard, the VehiCROSS and its Baja capabilities were way ahead of their time. You won't be surprised to hear that this is a very rare vehicle, but Classic claims that the average value hovers around $11,000, though nicer examples are closer to $20,000. Sometimes, having an off-roader that works most of the time is no fun. The Land Rover LR3, or the Discovery 3, as it was called in the rest of the world, is something like a more utilitarian Range Rover with three-row seating. Land Rover doesn't skip out when it comes to off-roading, and the LR3 is no exception. Mack Hogan of Road and Track absolutely loved his time off-roading a mostly stock LR3. It's an immensely capable SUV while also being luxurious, full of charm, and offering some exciting powertrains. places the LR3 at around $13,000 on average, though you want to avoid the four-figure, high-mileage examples for optimal results. You should also avoid the TMU (total mileage unknown) stuff and anything without proper maintenance and records. One Reddit user confirms that proper maintenance is a top priority for these cars. Despite the bro-truck reputation, the H3 is more than just a mall crawler fashion statement. It's the most normal-sized Hummer and shares underpinnings with the Chevy Colorado. The H3 has full-time 4WD with optional rear locking diff and serious ground clearance (up to 9.7"), and steep approach/departure angles. It's also one of the few Hummers you can buy for less than $20K and not feel guilty about modifying. If you're looking for a solid trail SUV with plenty of presence, the H3 is an excellent choice. Despite Jeep's somewhat bad reputation in the automotive world, the XJ Cherokee is one of the automaker's greatest hits. Launched at the very end of the 1980s, this boxy workhorse introduced something to the SUV world that would become the gold standard: unibody construction. The XJ Cherokee was one of the first production SUVs to use a unibody instead of body-on-frame, something that Jerrod Jones of MotorTrend covers in great detail. That didn't mean the XJ Cherokee was not capable of off-roading, even if it did require a few small modifications. What's more, you could have it with Jeep's 4.0-liter inline-6, an engine one Reddit user claims is quite literally unstoppable. According to Classic, on average, XJ Cherokees are going for around $13,000, though the nicely kept examples are closer to $20,000. One of a handful of Suzuki models that Americans fondly remember. Also briefly known as the Geo Tracker, the Suzuki Sidekick was the North American version of the Vitara/Escudo, and it was a pretty big change of pace for the SUV market at the time. David Tracy of the Autopian makes it clear that this is not an SUV we should mock based on appearances. The Sidekick stood out due to its comparatively small dimensions, and it was jam-packed with personality. It looks cool even today. When it comes to SUVs, Suzuki tends to focus on off-road capability, and the Sidekick is no exception. It's a fun way to go further off-road than any vehicle this size has any right to do, and you won't have to part ways with a ton of cash. Considering that these go for $8,000 on average, according to Classic, it's an affordable way to venture off-road. The Grand Vitara is one of the most overlooked modern compact SUVs with legitimate off-road capability. Unlike most of its crossover competitors, it used a ladder-frame-on-unibody design with a real low-range transfer case. This was a decent off-road SUV straight off the showroom floor, and with modest mods like all-terrain tires and a slight lift, it becomes a surprisingly competent trail runner. Best of all, you can scoop one up for around $8,000, leaving plenty of headroom in your budget for personalization. Before the Explorer became a mall crawler, the early models were proper off-road rigs. The first-gen Explorer shared much of its DNA with the rugged Ranger pickup, including a solid rear axle, body-on-frame construction, and a torque-rich 4.0-liter V6. With the optional 4WD system and available 5-speed manual, these SUVs could hold their own on rocky trails. They're not as refined as newer models, but they're easy to maintain and built to take a beating. Best of all, you can find clean examples for well under $5,000, leaving plenty of room in the budget for upgrades. The Liberty may not have the legendary status of the Wrangler, but the Renegade trim brought legit off-road cred to Jeep's smaller SUV. It featured skid plates, a locking center differential, and beefier suspension components, plus the boxy styling and roof lights gave it a trail-ready attitude. Under the hood was a 3.7-liter V6 paired with a proper 4WD system. It's not as hardcore as a Wrangler, but it'll get you down a muddy trail without breaking a sweat. According to Kelley Blue Book, used prices hover around $3,000–$6,000, making it one of the cheapest ways into the Jeep lifestyle. Before the Durango went full soccer-mom SUV, the first-generation model was a decent off-roader. Built on a modified Dakota pickup chassis, it came with V8 power, optional 4WD with a low-range transfer case, and seating for up to seven. It wasn't luxurious, but it was rugged and full of attitude. You can find one of these listed for around $5,000–$7,000, depending on mileage and condition, which makes it one of the most affordable ways to obtain V8-powered off-road capability. One of the most badge-engineered cars in history, the Isuzu Rodeo was marketed under about a dozen other brands and model names. The Rodeo is somewhat of a cult classic SUV nowadays, and it's a pretty interesting off-roader. Christian Hazel of MotorTrend singles out the Rodeo as a great first off-roader since it doesn't lose all talent when it's on the pavement. It's decently drivable on the road, but when you want to go off-roading, you won't have a hard time. The most desirable Rodeos use the 3.2-liter V6, and Classic places the average value at around $8,000. You might have to pay a little bit more for the nicest ones, though. Many off-road SUVs come with a hefty price tag, and even then, they often need expensive modifications to handle serious terrain. Between upgrades, lift kits, and aftermarket gear, costs can climb quickly. But the models featured here prove you don't need to break the bank to get true off-road capability. With a budget of around $40,000, you can find an SUV that's ready for adventure straight from the factory, no major upgrades required. Just a sense of direction and a willingness to explore.
